Builders openly flout rules in Ludhiana; officials turn a blind eye

LUDHIANA: Illegal construction is becoming a menace in the city, and officials are turning a blind eye.

Despite the fact that authorities have records of above 1,300 unauthorized colonies, the municipal corporation (MC) and Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada) have failed to take action against them. However, the number stated above is according to official data available, but in reality, over 3,000 illegal colonies exist in the city -- some of which are being constructed -- say MC sources.

It is worth mentioning that the state government came up with three golden chances for builders to get their colonies regularized until February this year, but the builders failed to do so, and the authorities failed to take any action. According to data available, Glada got applications to regularize 1,200 colonies, and MC received applications of 120 colonies. Out of these, only around 20 builders fulfilled the requirements. Some of the violators submitted 10 per cent of the total amount, but then never deposited the remainder.

Incidentally, residents of Bawa Colony had shaved their heads at the MC headquarters recently, while protesting against the authorities for not taking any action against their builder, who did not regularize the colony.

It is not just illegal colonies, but illegal building construction itself that is a bigger challenge for the authorities. MC's officiating commissioner Ghanshyam Thori made a list of around 250 illegal buildings recently, but hardly any action was taken against them, possibly due to political pressure. However, Glada chief administrator Kamalpreet Kaur Brar said regular action was being taken, and in the past 2-3 months, the authority had demolished around 50 illegal colonies, and was also planning to lodge FIRs against the builders. Thori said he had asked officials of the building branch to take action against violators, and added that the MC would start a demolition drive in the coming days.